The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
Find out more about space activities in our 23 Member States, and understand how ESA works together with their national agencies, institutions and organisations.
Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
Go to topicProtecting life and infrastructure on Earth and in orbit
Go to topicUsing space to benefit citizens and meet future challenges on Earth
Go to topicMaking space accessible and developing the technologies for the future
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New solar arrays before installation on the farthest port side of the International Space Station as seen by HD cameras outside the orbital complex. These arrays, called iROSA for ISS Roll-Out Solar Array, are rolled up into tubes for transport.
These panels are smaller but more efficient than the existing solar arrays, which are showing signs of degradation after years of continuous work in outer space. The combination of the old and new arrays will increase the power generation to a total of 215 kilowatts.
ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet and NASA astronaut Shane Kimbrough performed three spacewalks in the span of 10 days to install new solar arrays that will generate between 20 and 30% more electricity on the International Space Station.
The duo took them from their storage area outside the Space Station to the worksite. There the spacewalkers secured the rolled arrays for them to be unfolded, connected and finally unfurled over the existing arrays.